Salad Olivieh is a chicken and potato salad that has won most if not every Iranian’s heart! To mention Salad Olivieh to an Iranian is to watch an excited smiling face staring back at you and to hear tales of where and how they used to eat this salad. Most of us would have it…
Category: Appetizer
Shami-e Lapeh -yellow split pea and beef patties
In the West, we have the burger with all its glorious variations. In Iran, we have the Shami with many regional influences. Shami resembles a donut, with a hole in its center. This is Shami-e Lapeh! In the North of Iran, there is the green Shami, in which the beef patty is packed with fresh…
Maast-o Khiar – Yogurt with dried mint, cucumber and raisins
Yogurt is no stranger to Persian cuisine and is, frankly, a mandatory side item on the table. Each region of Iran offers its own unique version of a yogurt dish to accompany a Persian meal. Maast-o khiar is one of them. In the north, by the Caspian Sea, the specialty is garlic and shallot yogurt,…
Mirza Ghasemi – Eggplant spread with eggs
When you think about it, just about every culture has its own version of an eggplant spread. Iran has no shortage of its own variety of eggplant dishes. As a matter of fact, it has been said that eggplants are the potatoes of Iran. This is Mirza Ghasemi, a smokey, delicate and umami filled eggplant…
Zeitoon Parvardeh – Olive Tapenade with pomegranate
Zeitoon Parvardeh tapenade is a flavor-packed gem, bringing together sweet, sour, salty, rich, and umami notes in every bite. This marinated olive spread comes from the lush Caspian Sea region of Iran, where it’s served at family tables and restaurants alike. It’s bold, tangy, and deeply aromatic. Traditionally, Zeitoon Parvardeh tapenade is prepared with a…